Palestine: Where is God’s Help?
“Where is God’s help,” Muslims ask. In Palestine and around the world, in times of mild, moderate, or extremely severe injustice, the question comes up. We believe fully in the promises of Allah, that He is the wisest of the wise, the Most Merciful, the All-Seeing, and that He is just. We believe that He responds to the prayers of the righteous and the oppressed. Thus, how do we reconcile our understanding of those promises with the extended suffering experienced by individuals or groups of people in the world, such as in Gaza today? First, we begin with foundations. Who is Allah? Allah is the one and only God, Creator and Sustainer of the created world. He is perfect. He has no flaws. When we say Allah is the All-Wise, it means that His wisdom places everything in the right place, right time, and in the right way, sometimes for some reason or wisdom that we cannot know, see, or comprehend with our limited minds. If we were to comprehend them, we would be at the level of the Divine, but we are limited human beings. Allah is perfect, so if He tells us there is no injustice from the Creator to the creation, then we believe in what He says without any doubt whatsoever. We do not question Him, and we do not question Divine destiny, but we may wonder at times about the suffering that we experience or see others experiencing. Second, Allah has informed us about the reality of this world. So, when we wonder about the suffering, we remember that this is the life of trials, sometimes easy and sometimes difficult. What follows is that this life is an opportunity to practice patience and perseverance, an opportunity to do good. And we are to remember that this life is short and fleeting. The afterlife is eternal, the life of consequences, of reward or punishment, and the opportunity for rights to be truly restored in the court of Allah. Allah is aware of the good-doers and promises that an eternal life of bliss will be worth whatever has befallen them in this world, where those in Paradise will have whatever they desire (see Qur’an 50:35). These are the people who express gratitude to Allah for guidance, protection against ongoing difficulties, and the fulfilment of His promise of paradise. The evildoers, the oppressors, those who violate the rights of God and creation, will face accountability as Allah The Just sees fit. He is more just, wise, and merciful than we can imagine, and we are not in a position to question His authoritative decisions. If we establish this fact and believe in it, and are constantly reminded of it, it helps us to frame this life’s trials through that lens. Some people are good, and some are evil, and Allah is aware and will compensate both. The final verse revealed to humankind summarizes this reality perfectly: “Be mindful of the Day when you will be returned to Allah, then every soul will be paid in full for what it has done, and none will be wronged” (Qur’an 2:281). Third, Allah has informed us of His promises and that His promises are true (see Qur’an 35:5). He has informed us about the acceptance of the prayer of the oppressed, the righteous, the one who sincerely calls upon Him, and that not only are His promises true, but also that He is nearby (see Qur’an 2:186). Someone may wonder, then, where is Allah’s response to the du’a of the people of Palestine? The answer to that is found in the narration where Prophet Muhammad said to those with him: “There is no Muslim who calls upon Allah, without sin or cutting family ties, but that Allah will give him one of three answers: He will quickly fulfill his supplication; He will store it for him in the Hereafter; or He will divert an evil from him similar to it.” They said, “In that case we will ask for more [in du’a].” The Prophet said, “Allah has even more” (Musnad Ahmad). While du’a is answered in different forms, the one calling upon Allah is always rewarded for every single sincere du’a, and no du’a goes unanswered. Furthermore, one cannot ignore Allah all year and then make du’a and expect, even demand, it be fulfilled immediately on their terms, giving up if it’s not manifesting the way they requested. Du’a, as we are taught in Islam, is a means of communication and relationship between the Master and the servant, the Creator and the created being. It is an ongoing relationship, whether in times of ease or difficulty, whether to cry out in desperate need or to express gratitude, amplified if the believer is consistently pious all year. Making du’a shows that the believer recognizes how much we are in need of Allah, regardless of how much one has been blessed with worldly things, or not. The truth is that we are always in need of Allah, not just during calamities. Additionally, one does not know which form the du’a is being accepted in, but one must persevere and not be hasty, for Allah’s promise is always true. Fourth, we learn from stories of the most righteous humans, the prophets and messengers. We learn that Allah could instantly change a person’s situation but sometimes tests the believer for various reasons in His unlimited wisdom. If anyone “deserved” instantaneous relief from oppressors and the fulfillment of their requests, it would be the prophets who went through severe pain for years, sometimes decades, with patience and sincere dedication. This is a lesson we learn historically and, also, we see today in the resilience of the righteous Muslims in Gaza. Their faith is tested, their sins are purified, their rank in paradise is raised, their du’a is elevated, their resilience is strengthened, their eman is manifest, their shahaadah (martyrdom) is eternal bliss. Their worldly loss leads to increased gratitude and trust in Allah, and their firmness is inspiration
How to Help Palestine as a US Resident
How to Help Palestine as a US Resident www.icnacsj.org For many, witnessing the destruction of Gaza and the horrific crimes of Israel has led to a state of hopelessness and helplessness. Many are unsure of how to help Palestinians, and specifically Gaza, as the flow of donations and aid is difficult. However, as US residents, there are many actions you can take to help Palestinians. Below is a guide on some actions you can take. 1. Support Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions (BDS) on Israel BDS is a movement to boycott against Israel until it complies with international law and Universal Principles of Human Rights. BDS is a movement aimed to curb international support for Israel because all forms of international intervention and peace-making have failed in making Israel comply with humanitarian law. Palestinians explicitly call for BDS, so BDS should be the first thing on anyone’s list when thinking about how to support Palestinians. On the BDS list, here are companies you should avoid: HP, Siemens, Puma, Sodastream, Sabra, Ahava Cosmetics. You can find the full list on BDS’ website here. BDS support has worked in the past, and can continue to work in the future! Chile suspended a free trade agreement over the Gaza massacre, the Kuwait government has boycotted 50 companies that are linked to occupation, and Israel’s state water has lost contracts due to BDS. This sort of pressure by average people on Israel is a great way to support Palestinians. 2. Attend protests Attending protests is very important – protests show visible support of a cause. The National March for Palestine on November 4 was estimated to have been attended by over 400,000 people. This visible support shows the world, Palestinians, and government leaders that people care about Palestine. Participate in shutdown days, where organizations call for people to walk out of school/work, attend a protest, and cease from buying anything. 3. Put pressure on politicians Tell elected officials to end the siege of Gaza, and to stop US support to Israel. There has been a blockade on Gaza for over 16 years, which has caused generational impact on the lives of Palestinians. Every year, the US gives Israel $3.8 billion in military funding. The US provides Israel money even though Israel does not stick to the US positions on peace in Palestine. The US is complicit in apartheid, it is funding the ongoing ethnic cleansing of Palestinian people. Urge your representatives to end US aid to Israel. 4. Write to companies In addition to supporting BDS, put pressure on companies and corporations to hold them accountable for their role in violating the rights of Palestinians. There are companies in the BDS list who explicitly profit from occupation and apartheid of Israel. Make sure that the money you are earning and spending is not contributing to the occupation of another. 5. Listen and learn from Palestinians With a violent settler-colonial state like Israel, it is a given that the media will uplift Israeli narratives whilst silencing Palestinians. To support Palestinians, you must stand up, speak out, and listen to Palestinian voices. The American Friends Service Committee says, “It is likely that addressing this topic will raise political sensitivities and political concerns among members of your faith community. The best way to address these concerns while promoting learning and action is to take time to listen to Palestinians and Israelis and to learn about the ways in which Israelis and Palestinians are impacted by violence and human rights violations today.” Here is a list of recommended readings and media on Gaza and Palestine, compiled by Decolonize Palestine. Take some time to read the books on this list, and to understand the occupation. Follow Palestinians on social media, especially journalists from Gaza, listen to what they have to say, and be an advocate for them when necessary. We cannot tolerate the Israel genocide of Gaza any longer. We must take actions as those living in the West. We, as average people, can make a change in the way our countries, communities, friends, and family view Palestine.
Giving Tuesday: Unite in Service to Humanity with ICNA!
Every act of generosity is an act of worship. ICNA, a national organization dedicated to supporting the Muslim American community, is leaving a lasting impact through diverse development projects, community services, and long-term relief programs. At ICNA, we believe in the strength of collective goodness. This Giving Tuesday, we extend a heartfelt invitation to join something greater, contributing to our mission of providing humanitarian relief and making a meaningful impact on those in need. Guided by the principle that service to humanity is service to Allah, ICNA calls upon you to make this Giving Tuesday a day of unity and compassion through your generous donations. Together, let’s create a lasting difference that echoes a lifetime of positive change. May your generosity become a source of blessings, not just for you but for the lives you touch. Join us in this noble endeavor to make Giving Tuesday a day that resonates with unity, compassion, and everlasting impact. Donate Now
PALESTINE CRISIS
PALESTINE CRISIS www.icnacsj.org Brief History Palestine is the Holy Land, significant in all three major religions – Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. The people of Palestine, be they Muslim, Christian, or Jewish, lived in a peaceful and prospering society, engaging in trades such as fishing and farming, and contributing to a shared and rich culture. Palestine was ruled by the Ottoman Empire until it was captured by the British. In 1917, the British Government promised the land of Palestine to the Zionist Jews as a homeland for the Jewish people. Jews began to migrate to Palestine with the help of the Zionist movement at the start of the 19th century. After WWII, Jewish migration to Palestine especially intensified. The Ally Powers recognized and supported the new state of Israel on this colonized Palestinian land. This resulted in the Nakba, a catastrophe that ethnically cleansed over 800,000 Palestinians, including Muslims, Jews, and Christians, from their land through evacuation, displacement, and genocide. Since then, Global powers have legitimized the occupation of Palestine by the Israeli state. Israel has continued to confiscate more and more land from the indigenous Palestinian people, forcing them into smaller areas of land and controlling every aspect of Palestinian life to maintain control over the region through a cruel system of apartheid. Since October 7, 2023 Israel has implemented a campaign of indiscriminate attacks on Palestinians in Gaza that has resulted in the murder of more than 10,000 Palestinians (so far), the majority of whom are innocent civilian women and children. Israel has tightened its already existing siege on Gaza, blocking access to water, fuel, cellular service, electricity, and humanitarian aid. The attacks on Gaza have left over 1,000,000 people displaced, and destroyed hundreds of apartment buildings, schools, mosques, churches, and multiple hospitals. Israel’s war crimes include using illegal tactics such as white phosphorus and chemical weapons to maximize the damage and indiscriminately attack Gazans. Israel has also bombed neighboring countries, detained and killed Palestinians in the West Bank, and expanded into a ground invasion of Gaza. We are witnessing a genocide and humanitarian catastrophe unfold in real time. Talking Points 1 – Demand a Ceasefire: We are witnessing crimes against humanity with the current genocide of innocent Palestinians in Gaza. A path to peace in the region requires an immediate ceasefire that ensures that no more civilians will be harmed or killed. 2 – Equal Citizenship Rights: Currently, Palestinians holding residency in the Occupied Palestinian regions are not considered citizens of Palestine, until such a time as Palestine is declared an independent state. However, the occupying power of Israel also does not consider Palestinians to be citizens, leaving them without a passport or ID card that is recognized in much of the world. This is a violation of international law, and a glaringly obvious sign of an apartheid state. We must hold Israel accountable for the quality of life of the Palestinian people. 3 – Acknowledge the Right of Return: WhenPalestinian families were forcibly removed from the Currently, Israel operates a siege over Gaza, a portion of land bordering the Mediterranean Sea currently under Israeli occupation. Gaza is described as the largest open-air prison in the world. The West Bank is another region that is under Palestinian authority by legality but controlled heavily by the Israeli state. The over-militarized power has used undue force to intimidate and dehumanize Palestinian citizens, surveil and control movements, and even unlawfully arrest, detain, and kill them. Palestinians have struggled to break free of the apartheid state that has been implemented by the Israeli Government, as recognized by Amnesty International as well as renowned human rights organizations across the world. Israel’s abuse of human rights and consistent violation of international law are also well-documented and have been recognized by the United Nations. Still, the Israeli Government continues to abuse the indigenous Palestinian people and has rendered them stateless to prevent them from returning to their land. Palestinian people continue to resist, whether in Gaza and the West Bank or across the world where they exist as refugees and immigrants remembering their homeland from afar. Current Situation homes and land they had held for centuries, they were prevented from returning, and those same homes were illegally given to settler families from across the world. It’s time to allow Palestinian people back into their own homes and into their lands. The ability to return home is a basic human right for all and a principle of international law. 4 – End the Illegal Occupation: The only way to bring true peace to Palestine and the Palestinian people is to end the illegal occupation of Palestine. Action Items Engage with Representatives: Contact your members of Congress ASAP and urge them to support an immediate ceasefire and a just and lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Participate in Peaceful Protests: Join or organize peaceful protests advocating for justice, equality, and an end to the occupation. Raise Awareness on Social Media: Utilize social media platforms to share information, stories, and resources that shed light on the Palestinian struggle. Amplify Palestinian voices to raise awareness. Support Humanitarian Organizations: Contribute to organizations working to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Palestine, providing direct aid to those affected by the conflict. Visit www.hhrd.org as one example. Educate Others: Foster understanding by educating friends, family, and colleagues about the historical context and current realities of the Palestinian situation.
ICNA – MAS Regional Conventions
All Praises are for Allah Lord of all that exists and peace and blessings of Allah be on His final Messenger and his household. You are invited to attend any of these amazing regional conventions happening in different cities. Join with your families and friends to enjoy the great environment, to learn more about our Deen, and to strengthen our communities even further. Bazaar | Lectures & Workshops by Renowned Speakers | Parallel Youth Conferences | Panel Discussions | Dawah Open Houses | Reverts Stories Sessions | MCNA Kids Camps | Health Fair | Matrimonial Services | Robotics | Quran Competition | Speech Competition | Career & Job Fair | Table Tennis Tournament | Badminton Tournament | Islamic Art Workshop & Exhibition | Ethnic Food Bazar
Tens of Thousands gathered in DC for Palestine
Tens of thousands of people from everywhere along the east coast marched through the streets of DC demanding an immediate ceasefire of the killing of innocent Palestinians. They called on our government to recognize the ongoing injustices and to do what is in their power to stop these attacks on innocent lives. We will keep making dua for our brothers and sisters, we will keep speaking out against injustice until this humanitarian crisis is brought to an end. Muslim American Leadership including Oussama Abuirshaid Executive Director of AMP, Nihad Awad of CAIR, Oussama Jamal USCMO, sister Asmahan ( MAS), Naqeeb Ur Rehman ( MUNA) Dr. Mohsin Ansari President of ICNA along with other civil liberties activists from different faiths addressed the crowd.
Urge Your Members of Congress to Support the Ceasefire Now Resolution!
CAIR is receiving communication from authorities that not enough of our community is speaking up for Palestine CAIR has put up an action alert item PLEASE sign it!It contains a pre-written message. Just enter your requested information, and hit send.This message will go directly to your state representatives! PLEASE share this far and wide … the more signatures, the better!There’s power in numbers!!!!! It takes less than 50 seconds – just a few clicks – please do this ASAP. https://action.cair.com/a/gazaunderattack
Israel attacks on a Christian Hospital Kills 500 Civilians
Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA), condemns in the strongest possible terms, the bombing of the al-Ahli Hospital in Gaza, today, killing almost 500 patients, doctors, healthcare workers, and hundreds of displaced children and families seeking shelter there, with nowhere else to go. ICNA calls on President Biden to play his role in establishing immediate ceasefire and reconsider his unconditional support to a government which bombed and killed hundreds of innocent patients, doctors and civilians. This practice of bombing hospitals and sanctuaries is not only tragic, but also a clear violation of international law including the Geneva Conventions and other international humanitarian agreements. The secretary general of UNO, Mr. António Guterres, World Health Organization (WHO) and several humanitarian agencies immediately condemned the deadly Israeli strike on a Gaza hospital, which it said was “operational with patients, health- and caregivers, and internally displaced people sheltering there.” ICNA, along with a rising tide of international and humanitarian organizations, calls upon the U.S. and global community of nations to intervene immediately to stop the ongoing violence, indiscriminate killings of the Palestinian civilians in Gaza in an effort of ethnic cleansing.
Immediate Action items
ICNA calls upon American Muslims and those who are committed to justice around the world to stand up in solidarity for the rights of their Palestinian brothers and sisters. As of today, more than 2800 civilians including *more than 700 children* have been killed by their Israeli military through indiscriminate bombing. Today, while the western media and our politicians are promoting a one sided, biased perception, it is the duty of all Americans to educate ourselves with the reality of the situation. It is our duty to learn the 75-year-long history of the ongoing tyranny, barbarism and brutality towards the Palestinians in their homeland. 1) Write to your representatives and lawmakers to break the silence. Demand immediate ceasefire, halting the killings and massacre of the innocent civilians and children in Gaza. Demand accountability for those involved. https://palestine.salsalabs.org/gazaceasefire2/index.html 2) Hold the news agencies and media channels accountable, and write to them to put a stop to their biased and fabricated stories, such as the beheading of 40 babies by Palestinians. This information is used to gain international support for the genocide we are seeing in front of our very eyes. https://www.cbsnews.com/chicago/news/plainfield-township-stabbing-woman-child-will-county/ 3) Use your social media platforms to educate masses about the root cause of this violence. Spread the reality of the killing of more than 6000 innocent civilians, at least 1/3 of whom are children who have been killed by Israel’s indiscriminate bombing in the last 10 years. https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/10/9/whats-the-israel-palestine-conflict-about-a-simple-guide 4) Spread the dehumanizing language that Zionists have been using against the Palestinians in order to further their agenda of genocide. Palestinians have been referred to as “animals” by Israeli authorities. 5) We urge all Muslims in the US to not be intimidated by the threats of Zionists. We should participate in all rallies which are being organized by Civil Liberty and Islamic organizations. https://ajpaction.org/pad2023/ 6) We ask all members of ICNA, its divisions, and youth circles to help in organizing events and rallies, combat misinformation, and stand up against the killing and mistreatment of civilians. 7) Lastly, we want to remind everyone that regardless of the situation, there is no real power and no real authority other than the Power and Authority of Allah ﷻ. In these times, as with all times, Muslims should turn to Allah ﷻ alone, beseeching Him for His Help, His Justice, and His power. May Allah ﷻ grant safety, security, and freedom to our brothers and sisters, and use us to benefit our Ummah.
